Bed Bug Facts
Bed Bugs:
Information and Resources
Common Name: Bed bug
Scientific Name: Cimex
lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Background
Throughout recorded history the bed bug has been a notorious
ectoparasite of humans primarily; but it has been observed to utilize
poultry, canaries, sparrows, mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs,
hamsters and bats as secondary hosts. It was introduced to the New
World with the early European colonists and has worldwide
distribution.
Recognition
Adult bed bugs measure 3/16± inch (5-6 mm) long, are broadly oval
and flat, and have vestigial wings (tiny wing pads) on the thorax.
Bed bugs are amber-colored, red or reddish black, depending on
whether or not they have fed recently. When present in sufficient
numbers, the odor that bed bugs emit can be detected by a keen nose.
More apparent evidences of bed bugs include the presence of fecal
stains (clustered tiny black dots) in and near daytime harborages
and the appearance of (sometimes itchy) welts at bite sites on those
who are allergic to this insect’s saliva.
The bat bug, Cimex
adjunctus, is a related species to the bed bug that may infest
buildings occupied by bats for extended periods of time. A major
difference between the two insects is that the hairs (setae) on bat
bugs are longer than the width of the eyes, while the hairs on bed
bugs are shorter than the width of the eyes. So, under
magnification, the bat bug has a more hairy appearance than the bed
bug.
Biology
Each female bed bug cements 3-12 eggs per day in cracks,
creases, seams and corners associated with fabric, wood, gypsum
board and other textured materials. Female bed bugs may lay 200
to 500+ eggs during an average lifetime. The pearly-white bed
bug eggs measure 1/32 inch (1 mm) long and hatch in 6-17 days in
warm, humid settings. Under ideal conditions of host
availability, warmth and humidity, the hemimetabolous
development (incomplete metamorphosis) may occur in as little as
35-48 days. There are 5 immature growth stages (nymphal instars)
of the bed bug with a blood meal required for each molt. About 5
to 10 minutes are required for each blood meal, during which bed
bugs inject a saliva containing an anticoagulant. [Bed bugs have
not been found to transmit disease organisms from host to host
through biting and feeding.] Once fed, nymphs can survive 51±23
days; while adults can survive up to a year on one blood meal.
Therefore, being poorly fed can greatly prolong the life cycle
(up to several years in some studies). Not all bed bugs in a
residence will feed concurrently. They remain concealed until
hungry. Although bed bugs are nocturnal, they may feed on a
resting person in a darkened room during daytime hours. The
activity threshold is 57±2°F. Below 61ºF adults enter
semi-hibernation. The lethal heat stress point is 112±1°F.
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